A method for treating a body surface with an active agent, includes: administering a composition in a therapeutically effective amount to a body surface, the composition forming a barrier coating on the body surface that is active to sustain contact with the body surface for a duration of at least about one hour. The composition meets the following requirements: about 0.0001% <； C <； about 0.4%, about 0.07% <； H <； about 70%, optionally an antimicrobial A, and a therapeutically effective amount of X； or 0%<； C <； about 0.4%, about 55% <； H <； about 70%, optionally an antimicrobial A, and a therapeutically effective amount of X. All percentages are by weight of the total composition and C is a carbohydrate gum； H is a humectant； and A is the active agent, the active agent being active to produce a therapeutic effect on the body.
